1. Implications of Vision Loss in the Elder Population
Laura Vittorioso, M.Ed, CVRT, CLVT
Samantha Green, MA, CVRT

2. Demographics Expected increase of vision loss in elders.
More than 20 million report
significant vision loss.
Approximately 40,000 Mainers report significant
vision loss.

3. Definitions Visually Impaired Legal Blindness Low Vision
Total Vision Loss

4. Common Eye Conditions Age-Related Macular Degeneration Glaucoma
Diabetic Retinopathy
Head Injuries or Strokes

10. Secondary Disabilities
Arthritis
Hearing Impairment
Heart Disease
Diabetes
Dementia

11. Multidisciplinary Approach
Vision Rehabilitation
specialists
Ophthalmologists
Low Vision Specialists
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Agencies on Aging

12. Independent Living Services
The Iris Network contracts with The Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired to provide vision rehabilitation to older people. 12

13. Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT)
Evaluates, instructs and guides persons with visual impairments to utilize adaptive skills 13

14. Certified Orientation and Mobility Instructor (COMS)
Provides instruction and assists in the goal of being a safe and independent traveler. 14

15. Personal Adjustment Counselor (LCSW)
Helps individuals with the emotional adjustment resulting from vision loss. 15

16. Computer Access Specialists
Evaluates and instructs adults who are visually impaired in assistive technology. 16

17. Eye specialists who evaluate and recommend optical devices.
Low Vision Services
Eye specialists who evaluate and recommend optical devices.

18. Vision Rehabilitation Services
Maine DBVI
Vocational Rehabilitation
Independent Living
COMS, CVRT
The Iris Network ApartmentsLV Clinic CVRT, LCSW, LSW, COMS
Assistive
Technology
Low Vision 18

19. How can I get these services?
Referrals
How can I get these services? 19

20. Early intervention works best!

22. If you were visually impaired, which hallway would you rather walk down?

23. The hallway on the right has better contrast.

24. Contrast and Color Light and Dark Explore bold colors
Use it EVERYWHERE!
Adapting what you have

25. Where would you rather bathe?

26. The bathroom on the right has less glare.

27. Lighting and Glare Brighter is not always better
Illuminating areas vs. Illuminating tasks
Controlling Glare
Enhancing visibility through color

28. Which stairs would you rather walk down?

29. The stairs on the right have better markings.

30. Hallways, Stairways and Signage
Use efficient Lighting
Always use contrast
Mark stairs
Display jumbo printed signs

31. Now that you have the tools, what changes would you make to this nursing home room?

32. Remember, environmental adaptations can be simple!
Observe your residents
Ask your residents
Remember your tools
Ask for an Environmental Assessment from The Iris Network.

33. Questions and Answers 33

34. Resources The American Foundation for the Blind www.afb.org
Lighthouse International
National Center for Health Statistics 2006
National Eye Institute

35. Copy of this Power Point
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